Monthly Archives: November 2010

That time has come again where I lock myself to my desk only emerging to eat or ask someone my life’s one big question “why did I give up my job to go to university again?”. That’s right, my exams are now only a matter of days away. So I thought I would just let you know I will be on the very quiet side for the next two weeks, in case you wonder if I have dropped off the planet.

It is time to give my Twitter and Facebook friends a rest and when I come back not only will this blog be getting a well deserved makeover but you will be reading more content then ever from me. I have an upcoming essay due on internet censorship, which has opened up a whole new interest for me so I hope to share and hear your opinions on that and I will also share my essay with you. In addition, I will be starting some Internships in December and I am very excited about that and my new community website for marketing students will be launching early next year. With so much on, I bid you farewell and promise when I return (approx 28th November) this blog will become bigger and better than ever.

This video, 7 ways games reward the brain, is from Tom Chatfield and was a part of the TEDGlobal 2010. I wanted to share this as I found it extremely interesting. His point of view that the elements of game play which make gaming so successful can be used in other online and offline situations I think is worth considering. He explains that it’s about being able to measure what a person is doing so you can assess what you need to do to keep them engaged.

The suggestion of things such a progress bars, collaboration and rewards, although not a new concept to non-gaming communities and websites is still, I agree, why people remain involved. Like an early post I did about Facebook Places, I felt one of the biggest things that was missing was the mayorship and rewards you get with foursquare, as virtual and ‘silly’ as they are – that’s why many people check-in. Another great example is the prestige associated with the member since on an AMEX card, if you have been a member for a long time – that makes you feel loyal and apart of the brand – It’s just another version of a progress bar!